[Previously titled 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲]
❝No, Ace. I can't do it," I sob.
"I know you can take more than that, sunshine, come on," he encourages, pummeling into me in fervent motions. "One more for daddy, yeah?" He coaxes in a gruffly voice...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
O L I V I A
I'm before the location of the exhibit Ace mentioned, waiting for his arrival. He's not here yet, and it's only been five minutes since I arrived. He sent me the address yesterday, just in case he's running late. The past week flew by in a blink of an eye, just as I have hoped.
Since he mentioned this exhibition as our second date, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I've dressed alluringly and taken my time to make myself look beautiful, eager to impress him. I'm excited to see him and find out his thoughts on my appearance.
As time ticks away, forty minutes go by and there's still no sign of him. Worry starts to creep in, and I decide to call him to check in, but he doesn't answer. I redial multiple times, attempting to reach him, only to be directed to his voicemail.
I try to push aside my growing concern and sadness, assuring myself that he must have encountered an issue causing the delay. However, reality sets in as I realize he's now a whole hour late.
My legs begin to protest from standing for so long, and I decide to ease the strain by strolling along the sidewalk. Even as I try to brush off my emotions, it's impossible to ignore the curious glances of passersby. I keep my gaze averted from their scrutiny as I continue attempting to reach Ace.
He wouldn't really stand me up...would he? The thought circles in my mind as I hear the familiar beep indicating a call attempt.
Anxiety and sadness start to well up within me, and a sting of tears pricks at my eyes. With the eighth attempt, I finally give up, struggling to hold back a sob. Swiftly, I hail a taxi and go home, desperate to avoid breaking down in public.
Once back in the comfort of my apartment, I don't bother changing clothes or removing my makeup. I collapse onto my bed, surrendering to the flood of tears that I had been holding back.
・❥・
The next day arrives with unease and heartache. My phone buzzes nonstop with Ace's calls and texts since morning. I'm frustrated and angry, yet a tiny bit comforted by his attempts to reach out. Still, I resist the urge to reply. His explanations won't change the fact that he left me waiting without a word.
Remembering standing there, looking foolish as I waited for him, stings. I cringe at how I tried to look my best for him. Today's break from visual art class is a relief, avoiding facing him. Still, I feel an inexplicable pull toward his presence, even though I'm angry.
Realizing how attached I've become is frustrating. I'm mad, and I want to stay that way. As the thought hits me, my phone buzzes on the table—a notification from Ace, adding to the flood of messages that have filled my morning. I lost count of them hours ago, feeling completely overwhelmed.
